News archive

Keith Kelly memorial tournament

(May 31, 2018 – ArgoAlumni.com) A fundraising golf tournament held in memory of the late Keith Kelly (Argos 1990-91) will be held at Glen Eagle Golf Club Saturday, June 16.Full event details

Alumnus Shell hailed as a hero

(May 10, 2018 – ArgoAlumni.com, firstcoastnews.com) Former Argo Lin-J Shell (2009-11), currently the physical education teacher at a Jacksonville high school, is being hailed a hero after his quick thinking prevented a possible tragedy.More at firstcoastnews.comAll-time rosterTeam history

Damon Allen called to (another) Hall

(April 26, 2018 – ArgoAlumni.com, cfl.ca) Damon Allen has been named to the Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame as part of its 2018 class. He was inducted by the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2012.

Allen, a four-time Grey Cup Champion, was one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the Canadian game. He is currently second in all-time professional football passing yards and second in all-time CFL passing yards. He is also pro football’s combined passing and rushing leader with a total of 84,301 yards.

The 54-year-old spend six seasons (1985-88 and 1993-94) with the Edmonton Eskimos, 1989-91 with the Ottawa Rough Riders, 1992 with Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Memphis Mad Dogs (1995), 1996-2002 with the BC Lions and his final five seasons with the Argonauts (2003-07) over his illustrious career. He finished his career with an incredible total of 72,831 passing yards and 394 passing touchdowns. The San Diego native announced that his retirement as a player on May 28, 2008.Allen, Damon in all-time rosterTeam history

He was an Argo: Rob Forbes

(April 6, 2018) Rob Forbes, an Argo running back in 1983-84, passed away on March 25, 2018 at the age of 61. Rob passed peacefully from a long term brain injury at the Rekai Centre in Toronto.
Predeceased by his parents Nora and Kenneth, Rob is survived by his children Meghan (Dylan), Calder(Mike); grandchildren Jacob and Connor; his siblings Ken(Fran), Marg (George deceased), Mary(Pete), Jim(Denice). Rob played football for the Calgary Stampeders, Toronto Argonauts and had a career working in the film industry. In honour of Rob there will be a future gathering of family and friends to celebrate his life. In memory of Rob, donations can be made to the charity of your choice.

Two more Boatmen to enter Hall

(March 22, 2018 – cfhof.ca/ArgoAlumni.com) Hank Ilesic, Frank Cosentino, Scott Flory, the late Tommy Hugo, Brent Johnson and Barron Miles are headed to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame as professional players while Cosentino will join them as a builder and Paul Brûlé will be so honoured for his amateur playing career, it was announced on Wednesday at Winnipeg’s Investors Group Field. The group will be officially inducted in the fall at an event in Hamilton.More at cfhof.caArgos in the hall of fame

Photo of the month: 1970 Grey Cup

The 58th Grey Cup was played November 28, 1970, before 32,669 fans at CNE Stadium at Toronto. The Montreal Alouettes defeated the Calgary Stampeders 23-10. The game was marred by woeful field conditions, as throughout the contest several sections of the natural-grass surface came away in chunks. As was customary in the day, the ever-stylish prime minister Pierre E. Trudeau was in attendance. In this image, he descends down the steps to his seat in the grandstand.

One of the two Jims (Corrigall the other) who dominated the Toronto Argonauts defensive line in the 1970s. Jim earned four CFL all-star selections and named to the All-Time depth chart in 2007 at Defensive Tackle.Jim Stillwagon ObituaryMore…

Steinauer key part of one of college football’s biggest turnarounds

(Jan. 24, 2018 – ArgoAlumni.com, The Hamilton Spectator) Orlondo Steinauer has pretty much been a success everywhere he has gone in football. He was a 12-year CFL player (Argos 2001-08), a two-time Grey Cup champ and a five-time All-Canadian selection. As a defensive coach (Argos 2010-12), he won another Grey Cup with the Argos.
They — in the ‘most people’ sense of the word — said he was an “unorthodox hire,” by Fresno State University in 2017, but a year later they’re saying: “Who needs orthodox?”
Steinauer and the rest of the second-year Fresno State Bulldogs’ football coaching staff have become one of the most important assets on the central California campus.More on thespec.comAll-Time Roster

Mack welcomed into HS hall

(Jan. 16, 2018 – ArgoAlumni.com, Herald-Banner) Gene Mack, a talented all-around athlete, was recently inducted into the Greenville (TX) Athletic Hall of Honor.
Gene and Patsy Jefferson (volleyball/track/basketball) took their places in the Hall and then were recognized before the Greenville Lions’ home football game against Texas High in October.
Mack excelled in football, basketball and track and field at Carver in Greenville before transferring to Greenville High School in 1967. He went on to earn all-conference honors as a defensive end at Texas-El Paso and then all-star honors as a linebacker in the Canadian Football League with the Toronto Argonauts.
Mack, who has gone on to a long and distinguished acting career, talked about the rough start to his football career at Carver.
“The first day I went out for football I broke my leg,” he said.

Rashovich turns back the hands of time

(Jan. 9, 2018 – Regina Leader-Post) Damaged digits are a lasting reminder of 16 years as a linebacker and special-teams ace in the Canadian Football League — an experience that, despite the various souvenirs of on-field combat, he will always treasure.

“I loved trying to be the best you could be,” the 57-year-old Rashovich, who spent his final 13 CFL seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, said in the living room of his south Regina home. He also played in 1985 and 1986 with the Toronto Argonauts.More…All-Time RosterArgo team history

NFL conference championships have Argo link

(Jan. 21, 2018 – ArgoAlumni.com, Canadian Press) Today’s NFL conference championships will have a unique Double Blue connection – Scott Milanovich, who was Toronto Argonauts head coach from 2012-2016.
When interviewing with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Milanovich was asked why he’d want to give up the Argo head-coaching job to become the NFL club’s quarterback coach.
The answer was simple: To win a Super Bowl.
Milanovich and the upstart Jaguars find themselves one win away from the NFL title game. Today, they visit the five-time champion New England Patriots for the AFC championship.More at cbc.ca

(Dec. 23, 2017 – argoalumni.com.com) The membership of the Toronto Argonauts Alumni Association was saddened to learn of the passing of former Argo John Trainor. John, who played for the Argos between 1971-73, was 70.

Flutie Brothers Band headlines Grey Cup VIP tailgate party

(Nov. 7, 2017 – ottawaredblacks.com) The 105th Grey Cup Festival organizing committee today announced that the Flutie Brothers Band, featuring Canadian Football Hall of Fame inductees Doug and Darren Flutie, will perform at the Grey Cup VIP Tailgate Party, presented by Casino Lac-Leamy, on the afternoon of November 26.

“I’m looking forward to it,” said Doug Flutie, a three-time Grey Cup champion and three-time Grey Cup MVP. “Playing classic rock with my brother Darren and our friends is a blast and playing at Canada’s biggest party is going to be incredible,” said the 2008 Canadian Football Hall of Fame inductee. “I’ve heard a lot about RNation …. the crazy fans in Ottawa … and we’re going to put on the plaid and give them a great show.”

Doug was named to the list of All-Time Argos at a game earlier this year.

Congratulations O’Sh

(Photo: Johany Jutras/CFL)

(Sept. 14, 2017 – ArgoAlumni.com) The Toronto Argonauts Alumni Association salutes former Argo player (1996-99, 2001-08) and assistant coach (2010-13) Mike O’Shea, a member of the 2017 Induction Class into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. Mike, a North Bay, ON native, has been the head coach of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers since 2014. Mike will be inducted in a class that also includes fellow CFL legends Stan Schwartz (builder), Geroy Simon, Brian Towriss (builder), Anthony Calvillo and Kelvin Anderson.

He was an Argo: Rick Sowieta

(August 26, 2017 – Ottawa Citizen) A bit more than seven months ago, Rick Sowieta’s words came slowly, but there was great determination in his voice.
“I … want … to … live.”Ottawa Citizen: Sowieta battled cancer to the endObituary

Remembering Dr. Shklar

(August 18, 2017 – ArgoAlumni.com) It is with great sadness that we pass along the news that Dr. Jerry Shklar, Argonauts team physician from 1977-90, has passed away. He was 76.

Fred Dunbar, head trainer through nearly all of Dr. Shklar’s seasons with the Argos, said: “He was a well-read man on the subjects of History, Sports and Medicine, and to top it off he was a gentleman in the finest way. He treated the players with great dignity. He was great to work with because he understood Canadian football. He was one of a kind that is for sure. He also was a great friend for over 40 years.”

Argos celebrate back-to-back champs

(July 13, 2017 – argonauts.ca) When the Toronto Argonauts took on the Ottawa Redblacks at BMO Field for Monday night football on July 24, the Argos celebrated the 20th anniversary of the ’96-’97 back-to-back Grey Cup championship teams. Fans in attendance received a Doug Flutie Bobblehead at the gates. The bobblehead was modeled after the historic photo of Flutie wearing red glass cutter gloves during the ‘Snow Bowl’ Grey Cup in 1996 in Hamilton.

Commissioner Ambrosie!

Argo alumnus named CFL boss

(July 5, 2017 – ArgoAlumni.com) Randy Ambrosie has been chosen as the 14th commissioner of the CFL.Randy is a veteran of the business world and the CFL. He was selected with the second overall pick in the 1985 CFL Draft by the Calgary Stampeders. Over the course of a nine-season career, he played in 142 professional games and became a Grey Cup champion. Ambrosie played college football at the University of Manitoba. Randy was an offensive lineman with the Boatmen in 1987-88, and also played with Calgary (1985-87) and Edmonton Eskimos (1989-93). He earned a Grey Cup ring with the Eskimos in 1993.

Coach Matthews will be missed

(June 15, 2017 – ArgoAlumni.com) Hall of Fame CFL and Argo coach Don Matthews passed away Wednesday. He will be known as one of the greatest coaches and motivators in league history. He was a five-time winner of the Annis Stukus Trophy as the CFL coach-of-the-year, and he coached several of the greatest teams in CFL history.

Golf Fun Day

Wayne Smith retires

(April 28, 2017 – ArgoAlumni.com) After 12 seasons in the Canadian Football League, offensive lineman Wayne Smith has announced his retirement from professional football. Originally selected by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats first overall in the in the 2014 CFL Draft, Smith went on to suit up for 183 regular season games, eight playoff games and one Grey Cup over a 12-year span with the Tabbies, Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Toronto Argonauts.

Grey Cup 2017 alumni ticket offer

(April 19, 2017 – ArgoAlumni.com) The Grey Cup Game is back in the Nation’s capital. The 105th Grey Cup game will be played in TD Place Stadium in Ottawa on Sunday, November 26.
CFL Alumni Association members are being given the privilege to access a special pre-sale window to purchase game tickets. As you will have a limited amount of time to purchase, please read this story in its entirety so that you are aware of the details surrounding this access window.105th Grey Cup Alumni Ticket Offer

Brad Elberg joins law firm

(April 12, 2017 – ArgoAlumni.com) Brad Elberg (Argonauts player from 1999-2002) has joined the Toronto law firm of Allen McDonald Swartz LLP business lawyers. Regina born and raised, Elberg was Saskatchewan’s first round selection, #2 overall, in the 1993 CFL Draft. The product of the Queen’s Golden Gaels was coming home even though they weren’t quite Canada’s Team.Elberg profile on cfl.ca

Kevin Eiben returns to handle Argo special teams

(March 22, 2017 – ArgoAlumni.com) Toronto Argonauts Head Coach Marc Trestman announced the team’s coaching staff for the 2017 season today and it includes longtime Argo linebacker Kevin Eiben. As a player, the Argos 2001 CFL Draft pick was named a League all-star on three occasions, East Division All-Star five times, and played a key role in the Argonauts 2004 Grey Cup championship.Full story

Steinauer off to Fresno State

(Dec. 29, 2016 – ArgoAlumni.com) Former Argo player (2001-08) and coach (2010-12) Orlondo Steinauer will be the new defensive coordinator of the Fresno State Bulldogs in NCAA Division I college football. Steinauer, 43, was defensive coordinator of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for the past four seasons. His CFL playing career spanned 12 seasons from 1996-2008 with Ottawa Rough Riders, the Ticats and Argos.

He finished his career second all-time in CFL history for interception return yards with 1,178. Steinauer was a two-time Grey Cup champion as a player after winning in 1999 with the Tiger-Cats and in 2004 with the Argonauts. He has also won a championship as a coach, winning the 100th Grey Cup as the defensive backs coach for the Argonauts in 2012.Steinauer, OrlondoAll-Time Roster

Gene Mack wants to hear from you

Gene is doing well and working hard at getting back home and to work making all those commercials and movies. His spirits are high and he asked us to post this notice for everyone and he is happy to see and/or chat over the phone with alumni.

Many of us have been to see or called him already. He can be reached at 416-243-3600 extension 3160.

Sam’s father died father died Dec. 14, 2006, at the age of 49, just more than a month after being diagnosed with cancer. The disease robbed Sam, then 23, of the opportunity to further bond with the man who helped him believe he could excel in athletics.

He was an Argo: Wayne Smith

(Dec. 14, 2016 – Globe and Mail) Having never played high school or college football, Wayne Smith defied the odds and went on to become a CFL defensive all-star during his 12-year career in professional football.

In 1969, at the age of 19, Mr. Smith joined the Ottawa Rough Riders with little more than ambition and raw athletic talent. His only experience was playing briefly for a small football team in his hometown of Halifax. But Mr. Smith, who died in his sleep at his Halifax home on Nov. 27 at the age of 66, after suffering complications from diabetes, would quickly establish himself as a quick, ambitious force within the league, playing for five teams and winning two Grey Cups.

Pinball and Peter Martin named CFL Alumni men of the year

(Nov. 25, 2016 – Argonauts.ca staff) The CFL Alumni Association (CFLAA) announced that former Toronto Argonaut players Michael “Pinball” Clemons and Peter Martin were the co-winners of the CFL Alumni Man of the Year Award. The CFLAA presented the prestigious award to the two outstanding Argonauts alumni during the Grey Festival at the popular CFL Legends Luncheon held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Jason Colero honoured for his 32 years of community work

(Nov. 24, 2016 – cfl.ca staff) An “unsung hero” was recognized for more than three decades of dedicated service to the Toronto Argonauts, the community and causes that serve youth.

Jason Colero, the Argos’ Director of Education and Community Programs, was honoured with the Commissioner’s Award, presented each year to an individual or group that has made an outstanding contribution to the development of football in Canada.

Surgery for former Argo Bob Skemp

Family of former Argo Offensive Guard Bob Skemp contacted the Toronto Argonauts Alumni Association to advise us that Bob recently had surgery that didn’t go so well. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bob and his family.

Boston Herald: Hall of Fame fumbles with Flutie

(Sept. 21, 2016 – Boston Herald) I need a break from politics before the first debate between the same candidates I’ve been inundated with for the past year. So let’s talk football; specifically, Doug Flutie.

Flutie is up for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He is among 94 nominees, a list that will be whittled down to between four and eight awarded the honor.

Adam Rita jets off to Italy

(Aug. 17, 2016 – American Football International) The winner of six Grey Cup titles in the Canadian Football League as a head coach, coordinator and general manager, Adam Rita is heading back to Europe to take the reins as head coach ofItaly’s Bergamo Lions.

Rita is no stranger to football in Europe. A Hawaii native and Boise State alum, he has also coached the Prague Black Panthers in the Czech Republic (2012) and Switzerland’s Calanda Broncos (2014).